Support groups and advocacy

What is an advocate?

At times, we all can find it difficult to speak up for ourselves and somebody else, like an advocate, might be able to help by speaking up on your behalf. An advocate will act as your mouthpiece. An advocate's job is to represent your views, your needs and your rights by speaking or writing on your behalf. An advocate can attend meetings with you or instead of you and they can help you get your entitlements.

Many advocates are people who have experience of mental health or learning disability services themselves and may have used the services in the past, so they're well-placed to understand what you're going through.

How to get an advocate

All patients are allocated a care co-ordinator who will know about advocacy services. Or, you can contact one of the advocacy and support services in our area, using the list below.

Support Groups and Organisations

Help for better mental health and wellbeing

West Leicestershire MIND
Rethink
LAMP (Leicestershire Action for Mental Health Project)
Alzheimer's Society 0116 251 0366 Advocacy for people with dementia and their carers, advice and information service, carer suppport, befriending for younger people, support and social groups.
Mental Health Foundation
Focusline Leicestershire: 0800 027 2127 Lines open every day from 5pm to 1am. For people experiencing mental distress, and their carers.
Savera: 0116 261 2837. For Asian people with mental ill-health, and their carers.
Akwaaba Ayeh: 0116 247 1525. For African, African-Caribbean and Asian people with mental ill-health, and their carers.
Depression Alliance
Samaritans
Sane

Help for living a healthier lifestyle

Quit smoking: City team 0116 295 4141; Leicestershire & Rutland team 0845 045 2828
Healthy eating: Leicestershire Nutrition & Dietetic Service 0116 272 7200
Fitness: Leicester-Shire & Rutland Sports Partnership
Clubs, societies & community organisations: Infolinx.
General Information: about work, housing, health, travel and leisure. Welcome to Leicestershire Information Pack from Leicestershire Together

Help with benefits, money and debt

Welfare Rights Advice Line - 0116 225 6222
Leicester Money Advice: Help with debt - 0116 242 1120
Benefit Enquiry Line: For disability and carer benefits - 0800 882200
Citizens' Advice Bureau - see Advice, below for more details.
African-Caribbean Support Service: Housing advice - 0116 254 4230
Age Concern Leicester: Welfare Rights Officer - 0116 299 0555
Age Concern Leicestershire & Rutland - 0116 299 2233
Age Concern Lutterworth - 01455 557116
Age Concern Oadby & Wigston - 0116 288 5203
Age Concern Hinkley & Bosworth - 01455 619519
Direct.gov.uk Government information website.

Help with getting the right equipment

If you are not an inpatient, call your local social care department from the list below, for help getting equipment such as stair rails, stair lifts, tap turners, jar openers.